An index is the number which is at the top right hand corner of a figure which denotes a power.

The

power of a number is how many times the number is multiplied by itself. For example:

22 = 2 × 2 = 4

43 = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64

34 = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 81

When using indices you should remember the following things:

• Multiplying adds the powers:

nx × ny = nx+y

• Division subtracts the powers:

nx ÷ ny = nx-y

• A negative index means the number is reciprocated:

n-x = 1 / nx

• For fractional indices, the numerator is the power of the base number and the denominator is

the root of this number:

nx/y = y nx

• n1 = n

• n0 = 1